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  • This handout discusses the dangers of laundry and dishwasher detergent pods in dogs and cats. Consumption of detergent in any form is dangerous for cats and dogs. Signs of pod exposure include irritation of skin, eyes, and mouth as well as more serious gastrointestinal and respiratory signs that require prompt veterinary medical attention. Learning to recognize and prevent pod exposure will help keep pets safe.

  • A pet sitter can give your pet the care they need if you have a busy schedule or are traveling. Pet sitters take care of your pet in your home or theirs, and can do much more. Be sure to interview any potential sitters and use trusted friends, your vet, or online resources when looking for sitters.

  • Pet-Tinic® is a liquid dietary supplement for dogs and cats that contains iron, copper, and essential vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12).

  • The Ebola virus is very contagious and is transmitted through blood, body fluids, and tissues, but not through air, water, or food. Ebola affects humans, non-human primates, and is carried by fruit bats. Other species do not appear to be affected, although there has been evidence of exposure to the disease in dogs, cats, and other domestic animals. Domestic animals are not believed to transmit the virus; however, there is a risk that they could transmit body fluids such as saliva on their fur to other humans. Any potential exposure to Ebola should be reported to your veterinarian who will contact the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

  • Our culture is experiencing an ongoing evolution of the human-animal bond: the family-pet relationship. We live in increasingly intimate contact with the animals who share our lives, and veterinary care has progressed to a level that supports longer life expectancy in pets than ever before. Pets are now living longer and better because we are able to feed them better and protect them from infectious diseases and parasites. This means we are witnessing a surge in the segment of the pet population that is senior and geriatric. In fact, it is not so rare to see cats 20 years of age and older.

  • Phenobarbital is used to help control seizures in cats. It may be used alone or with other medication.

  • Phenoxybenzamine is used off label in dogs and cats to treat urination difficulty related to sphincter tone, high blood pressure related to pheochromocytoma, and in horses to treat laminitis. Give phenoxybenzamine as directed by your veterinarian.

  • Pheromones (brand names Feliway®, Comfort Zone®, Adaptil®, others) are natural or synthetic substances that mimic scents released by animals to communicate. Pheromones are used in cats and dogs as behavior modifiers for a variety of conditions, including urine spraying and marking, inter-cat aggression, stressful events, phobias, and separation anxiety, among other conditions. Pheromones comes in collar, diffuser, and spray forms.

  • Phytonadione (brand names: Mephyton®, Phytomenadione®, Aqua-Mephyton®, K-Caps®, Konakion®, Hemophyt®) is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat vitamin K1 deficiencies in a variety of animal species, usually due to toxicities. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Phytosphingosine topical (brand names Douxo®, SkinGuard®) is an anti-inflammatory agent, with antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is used in cats and dogs to help relieve itching in certain skin conditions and help restore the skin barrier. Phytosphingosine topical may be part of a combination product.